Ninety-nine

Today is my mom's birthday.  Although she has been gone 29 years and not with us to celebrate, I  feel like there are ways she is with us still:
My hands  -  when I look at my hands they remind me of mom, polka dots and all.
If I go for a walk in my neighborhood I have to pass the home she lived in for many years.
My grandchildren with hazel colored eyes always remind me of mom.
My sisters and the different traits they picked up from mom.
Chocolate in any form reminds me of her.  Semi sweet chocolate chips, hot chocolate, a big bar of
solid chocolate,  See's candy, mousies, etc.
We just finished our Sunday breakfast, bacon, eggs, toast, with a special jar of chili sauce.  Yum!l
But not a yummy as she could make it for us.  I just can't get the fried eggs quite right.
Last month the grandkids got to play dress-up and there among the dress-ups were some of her old dresses.
Gone but not forgotten.  Happy Birthday Mom, we love you !

Special day !

A special day for this beautiful girl  -   who we love so much

Surprise !

Our new year started with a surprise !    A new grand daughter !  Emilia Elisabeth
Here's grandpa holding his new granddaughter.

Its been a long time since Grandpa was available when a new grandchild was born.  He was super helpful with Jack and he had suggestions for naming the new little one.  His idea was to name her Rolandra.   ROLANDRA !  What kind of name is that for a sweet little girl?  I said if she has one grandpa's name she needs to have the others grandpa's too.  That would make her Rolandra Phillipa.
But lets not forget her grandmas  - how about NormaNell?
It's a good thing Jennie and Jason were in charge - Emilia Elisabeth is a beautiful name and I love that it has connections to her ancestry.

Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra ! Happy New Year

Dad and I had lunch at Panda Garden to celebrate the new year !

Fa ra ra ra ra  to all.   Happy New Year.